Apparatus for applying a multiple component mixture



June 14, 1966 R. A. FIECHTER 3,255,998

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A MULTIPLE COMPONENT MIXTURE Filed Nov. 5, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR RENE A.F|ECHTER ZMJM HIS ATTORNEYS June 14, 1966 R. A. FIECHTER APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A MULTIPLE COMPONENT MIXTURE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 5, 1964 INVENTOR RENEK A. FIECHTER fig, imp/x4e HIS ATTORNEYS June 14, 1966 R. A. FIECHTER 3,255,998

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A MULTIPLE COMPONENT MIXTURE Filed Nov. 5, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG] INVENTOR a1 84 83 RENE A.F|ECHTER HIS ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,2553% APPARATUS FUR APPLYING A MULTIPLE QOMPONENT MHXTURE Ren A. Fiechtei', 137 Hollywood Ave, Douglaston, N.Y. Filed Nov. 3, 1964, Ser. No. 408,592 2 Claims. (Cl. Z59--1) The present invention relates to means for applying a multiple component mixture to a surface and, more particularly, to novel means of the above character which is highly effective in the application of a multiple component thermosetting mixture to a surface.

If satisfactory results are to be obtained in the application of certain multiple component mixtures to surfaces, two major requirements must be met: viz., first, the components must be very thoroughly mixed immediately prior to the application of the mixture and, second, they must be mixed exactly in the specified proportions.

Attempts have been made in the past to provide means for fulfilling both of these requirements. Spray guns have been developed for mixing and applying a plurality of components, but they have had the disadvantage of providing insufficient agitation to insure thorough mixing of some of the more refractory groups of components. Similarly, various means have been developed for metering the flow of the components so as to mix them in the desired proportions, but these have had the drawback of being insulficiently precise in their measurements, not readily adaptable to selective metering over a Wide range of proportions, and difficult for unskilled workmen to operate.

It is an object of the present invention, accordingly, to provide new and improved means for violent agitation, thorough mixing, and prompt application of a mixture of a plurality of,components to a surface.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for imparting a doublev whirling motion to the components as they are brought together in order to facilitate thorough mixing thereof.

Still another object of the invention is to provide elastic vibratory means, with or without the addition of acoustic means, for violent agitation and thorough mixing of a plurality of components.

A further object of the invention is to provide new and improved means for metering the flow of components so as to mix them in the desired proportions.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means whereby a workman need only match the movement of a pointer with the movement of a dial in order to insure application of the components in the desired proportions.

Broadly speaking, the present invention contemplates delivery of components under pressure from separate sources of supply to a mixing head. Beyond facilitating mixing by the conventional introduction of components under pressure into a chamber, however, the present invention encourages additional mixing by the use of novel coiled ducts to impart a whirling motion to the compo nents and the use of an elastic vibratory membrane to set up vibrations within the mixing head. The amplitude of the vibrations may be increased by means of an acoustic or similar device capable of imparting energy to the elastic membrane.

In addition, the present invention employs a novel structure including a pair of frusto-conical devices in oppositely-oriented parallel relation and a step-up device for magnifying the motion of a component level indicator in order to impart rotation to a pointer and a dial so that a workman need only match the rates of rotation thereof in order to insure application of the components in the desired proportions, regardless (within an indefinitely wide range) of what those proportions may be.

3,255,9% Patented June 14, 19%6 For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of a represenative embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for applying a multiple component mixture according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric perspective view of the assembled apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view in side elevation of the apperatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the mixing head and associated parts;

FIG. 5 is an end View of the mixing head shown in FIGURE 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a metering device for use according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the generally frusto-conical elements of the metering device together with their associated parts.

While the invention will be described as it applies to a mixing of two components, it will be obvious from the description that it is equally adapted to the mixing of a greater number of components.

FIG. 1 shows an air cylinder 10 which feeds gas under pressure through a pipe 11, a metering valve 12 and a relief valve 13 and into an opening in or near the top of a tank 14. The gas thus exerts pressure on components H and R (typically a hardener and a thermosetting resin), which are separated, as for example by a suitable barrier 15.

An open-shut cock 16 is provided in a pipe 17, and if the cock 16 is in its open position component H is forced through the pipe 17 and into a mixing head 18. Similarly, a line 19 is provided with a cock 2!), and if the cock 20 is open component R is forced through the line 19 and into the mixing head 18. Components H and R are mixed in the mixing head 18 and expelled through a nozzle 21 as a fine spray 22.

Air from the air cylinder 10' is also free to travel through a pipe 23, a metering valve 24, and an open-shut cook 25 into a chamber 26. A spring 28 normally holds a valve 29 in a closed position, so that the air cannot pass beyond this point.

It is possible to stop the spraying operation by depressing a plunger 30, thus opening the valve 29 and admitting air through a pipe 31 and into the part of the mixing head 18 marked 32. This part is separated by an elastic membrane 34 from the part of mixing head 13 marked 35. The pressure exerted on the membrane 34 stretches it until it completely covers the walls of the space marked 35, thus sealing off openings 36 and 37 of the pipes 17 and 19 into the space and halting the spraying operation.

To restart the applicator a plunger 484 is depressed against a spring 41, allowing the air to escape from the space marked 32 through the pipe 31 and a chamber 29 and out the valve 42. The membrane 32 then contracts and uncovers the opening-s 36 and 37.

The tank 14 may be mounted upon wheels 44 and equipped with a handle 45 (FIG. 2) whereby the tank may be moved over the ground by a workman. Obviously, a motor for locomotive purposes can be provided if desired. A switch 46 connected to the plungers 30 and by suitable mechanical or electrical linkage (not shown) on the handle may be provided for starting and stopping the application of the components H and R.

To keep components H and R at proper temperature for application a flame 48 may be introduced into a space 50 between an exterior wall 51 and an interior wall 52 of the tank 14. See FIG. 3. i

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the mixing head 18 in greater detail. The elastic membrane 34 is shown fully contract-ed (FIG. 4), uncovering the openings 36 and 37. In this position, the mixing head 18 is ready for operation.

Spiral ducts 54 and 55 impart a whirling motion to components H and R as they pass therethrough and into the chamber 35. It has been found that this whirling motion greatly facilitates the mixing of the materials. In addition, the openings 36 and 37 are oriented along chords of the chamber 35 (see FIG. 5) so that a still further whirling motion (about the axis of chamber 35) is superimposed upon the other.

This double whirling motion of components H and R within the chamber 35 sets up sympathetic vibrations in the elastic membrane 34 which serve further to encourage mixing. It is moreover possible to introduce acoustic vibrations along the path 31 (see FIG. 4) to the opposite side of the membrane 34, as by means of a whistle or siren (not shown). These vibrations impart additional energy to the membrane 34, and increase the amplitude of its vibrations. The frequency of the acoustic vibrations may be chosen with a view to ensuring'maximum vibration of the particular materials H and R which areto be mixed.

Alternatively, it is possible to attach a reed (not shown) as in a conventional microphone to the membrane 34 and by suitable means impart energy to the reed in order to increase the amplitude of vibration of the membrane 34.

In this way, maximum mixing of the components H and R can be achieved and they can be instantly applied through the nozzle 21.

In keeping components H and R separate within the tank 14, it is of course unnecessary to employ the barrier 15 illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1. Indeed, it may be more convenient to employ a tank-within-a-tank, as shown in FIG. 3. Component H is then introduced into the space 57 within the tank 14 through an opening 58 secured by a cap 59, and component R is introduced into a tank 60 within the tank 14 through an opening 61 secured by a cap 62.

The size of the tank 60 may be so chosen in relation to the size of the tank 14, that, if the levels of the materials H and R are initially the same and remain the same during the application process, the rates of consumption are in the desired proportions. FIGURE 2 depicts a glass gauge 64 showing the levels of the components H and R to be the same.

I prefer, however, a novel metering system in which the size of the tank 42 in relation to the size of the tank 14 is immaterial and in which the levels of the components H and R need not be maintained the same in order to ensure proper metering. To this end, Iemploy floats 66 and 67 (FIG. 6) which ride on the surfaces of components H and R, respectively. The floats contain magnetic elements 63 and 69, which are attached to magnetic elements 7tl and 71 on belts 72 and 73, respectively. The belts 72 and 73 are run, respectively, over pulleys 74, 75 and 76, 77, so that, when the magnetic elements 68 and 69 drop downwardly as components H and R are consumed, the magnetic elements 70 and 71 also fall, thus causing the pulleys 75 and 77 to rotate.

Gear assemblies 78 and 79 (FIG. 7) step up the rotai tion of the pulleys 75 and 77, respectively, by a rat-i0 of,

say, 20 to l. The purpose of this is to translate the necessarily slow rotation of the pulleys 75 and 77 into a much faster rotation which is readily observable by the operator. The stepped-up rotation of the member 79 is imparted directly to a pointer 80, while the stepped-up rotation of the member 78 is imparted to a generally frusto-conical member 31. A belt 82 connects a preselected portion of the generally frusto-conical member 81 to a corresponding portion of a generally frusto-conical member 83, thus rotating the latter member in the same direction as the direction in which the member 81 rotates.

A dial 84 is inscribed on the surface of the frusto-conical member 83 adjacent to pointer 80. Thus, the dial 84 and the pointer 30 rotate in the same direction.

The relative rates of rotation of the dial 84 and the pointer 80 can be varied by changing the location of the belt 32 connecting the members 81 and 83. If the belt 82 is connected to the members 81 and 83 in a plane adjacent the members '78 and 79, the member 81 rotates more rapidly than the member 83 and the rotation of the dial 84 is relatively slow. It, on the other hand, the belt 82 connects the members 81 and 83 in a plane near the Opposite faces of said members, the rotation of the member 83 is relatively rapid as compared to that of the member 81, and, by the same token, the rotation of the dial 84 is speeded up.

it is thus obvious that the pointer 80 turns at a speed corresponding to the rate of consumption of component R and the dial 84 turns at a speed coresponding to the rate of consumption of component H. I Accordingly, if it is desired to mix components H and R in a one-to-one ratio, the belt 532 should connect the members 81 and at their mid-plane. Then, if the valves to and 20 are manipulated by trial and error so that the pointer 89 and the dial 84 turn at the same speed, the components H and R are mixed in a one-to-one ratio. Similarly, if it is desired to include more of component H than of component R in the mixture, the belt 82 should connect the members 81 and 33 in a plane nearer the members 78 and '79 than is the mid-plane of the members 81 and 33. The rotation of the dial 84 will be slowed relative tothe rotation of the pointer 89, and the operator, in order to keep the dial and the pointer moving together, will have to adjust the valve 16 or 2% so as to feed more of component H or less of component R. Obviously, if it is desired'to include less of component H than of component R, the belt 82 will be moved to a plane nearer the dial and pointer than is the mid-plane of the members 81 and 83.

In any case, once the belt 32 has been positioned according to the instructions of a supervisor, the operator need only manipulate the valves 16 and 20 until the speeds of rotation of the pointer 80 and the dial 84 are identical. As long as the speeds of rotation of the dial and pointer remain identical, the components H and R are being consumed in the desired proportions, even though the operator himself does not know what those proportions are. Thus, even an unskilled workman will have no difliculty in applying the proper portions of the materials H and R.

Thus there is provided in accordance with the invention novel and highly effective means for precisely metering a plurality of components into a mixing head, agitating them violently, and applying them promptly.

The specific embodiment described above and illustrated in the drawings is intended to be merely illustrative and is obviously susceptible of modification in form and detail within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for forming and applying a mixture of two components, comprising mixing means, means for separately conducting said components to said mixing means, elastic means within said mixing means, means for vibrating said elastic means, whereby said components may be agitated and formed into a mixture, dispersion means for applying said mixture, valve means for controlling individually the rates of consumption of said components, a rotatable dial, a rotatable pointer mounted coaxially with said dial, means causing said dial and said pointer to rotate in the same direction at speeds corresponding respectively to the rates of consumption of said components, and means for preselecting the speeds of rotation of said dial and said pointer relative to the rates of consumption of their respectively associated components, whereby, when the speeds of rotation of said dial and said pointer relative to the rates of consumption of their respectively associated components are properly preselected, adjustment of said valve means so that said dial and said pointer rotate at identical speeds ensures consumption of said components in the desired proportions. V

2. Apparatus for forming and applying a mixture of a first component and a second component, including mixing means, separate means for conducting said components to said mixing means, elastic means within said mixing means, means for vibrating said elastic means, whereby said components may be agitated and formed into a mixture, dispersion means for applying said mixture, valve means for controlling individually the rates of consumption of said components, a rotatable dial, a rotatable pointer mounted coaxially with said dial, generally frusto-conical first rotatable means mounted c0- axially with said dial and said pointer and rotatable with said dial about their axis, generally frusto-conical second rotatable means mounted in oppositely-oriented parallel relation to said first rotatable means and with its end surfaces in planes generally corresponding to the planes of the end surfaces of said rotatable means, driving means for selectively connecting opposed parts of the said two rotatable means, whereby said rotatable means are caused to rotate in the same direction at speeds having a preselected ratio with respect to each other, a first gauge with a movable part whose position indicates the remaining quantity of said first component, a first step-up means translating the motion of said movable part into a magnified motion rotating said pointer, a second gauge with a second movable part whose position indicates the remaining quantity of said second component, and a second stepup means translating the motion of said second movable part into a magnified motion rotating said second rotatable means, whereby, when said driving means is connected to properly-selected opposed parts of said first and second rotatable means, adjustment of said valve means so that said dial and said pointer rotate at identical speeds ensures consumption of said components in the desired proportion.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,766,064 10/1956 Schweitzer 239-102 3,039,699 6/1962 Allen 239102 WALTER A. SCHEEL, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT W. JENKINS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. APPARATUS FOR FORMING AND APPLYING A MIXTURE OF TWO COMPONENTS, COMPRISING MIXING MEANS, MEANS FOR SEPARATELY CONDUCTING SAID COMPONENTS TO SAID MIXING MEANS, ELASTIC MEANS WITHIN SAID MIXING MEANS, MEANS FOR VIBRATING SAID ELASTIC MEANS, WHEREBY SAID COMPONENTS MAY BE AGITATED AND FORMED INTO A MIXTURE, DISPERSION MEANS FOR APPLYING SAID MIXTURE, VALVE MEANS FOR CONTROLLING INDIVIDUALLY THE RATES OF CONSUMPTION OF SAID COMPONENTS, A ROTATABLE DIAL, A ROTATABLE POINTER MOUNTED COAXIALLY WITH SAID DIAL, MEANS CAUSING SAID DIAL AND SAID POINTER TO ROTATE IN THE SAME DIRECTION AT SPEEDS CORRESPONDING RESPECTIVELY TO THE RATES OF CONSUMPTION OF SAID COMPONENTS, AND MEANS FOR PRESELECTING THE SPEEDS OF ROTATION OF SAID DIAL AND SAID POINTER RELATIVE TO THE RATES OF CONSUMPTION OF THEIR RESPECTIVELY ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS, WHEREBY, WHEN THE SPEEDS OF ROTATION OF SAID DIAL AND SAID POINTER RELATIVE TO THE RATES OF CONSUMPTION OF THEIR RESPECTIVELY ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS ARE PROPERLY PRESELECTED, ADJUSTMENT OF SAID VALVE MEANS SO THAT SAID DIAL AND SAID POINTER ROTATE AT IDENTICAL SPEEDS ENSURES CONSUMPTION OF SAID COMPONENTS IN THE DESIRED PROPORTIONS. 